Mt. Haguro, Tohoku, Japan

5bakatori 5:00 PM May 11, 2012

Secluded paradise In saikan.
I took a bus from the front of Tsuruoka station. My initial intention was to climb up the legendary 2466 steps all the way to the top from the 羽黒センター. However, the route up was snow laden and thusly in my own opinion, treacherous. Yes snow, you hear me right. It was spring and there was snow. In view of that and my fondness for self preservation, I took the easy way up - bus. Saikan is a simple temple lodging surrounded by woods and sits on the edge of the mountain. Guess what, I was the only guest there. I spent my entire time in my room (no key, no lock, just sliding door) infront of the heater (portable type). I came to Japan with clothes meant for Spring. The whole structure of the lodging is typically Japanese, wooden. With planks covered with tatami for flooring, windows that works like sliding doors thus the cold seeped through the tiny slits. Even the journey from my room to the common toilet was a feat with the cold wind escaping into the lodging thru the cracks. When night came, I fell asleep with the sound of the wind howling & rattling on my window panes. It snowed during my slumber. I have nvr experience snowfall in my life (my country is in the Equator). I opened my eyes, and before me, snowfall. It was the most beautiful sight. I would gladly do this again even with the cold and exhorbitant bus fare.

4isaacleejiehao 5:00 PM Apr 15, 2015

Tiring but peaceful hike (2D1N Haguro-san, Gassan and Yudono-san)
The three mountains of Haguro-san, Gassan and Yudono-san form the Dewa Sanzan 出羽三山 (Three Mountains of Dewa), and some people hike all three as part of a pilgrimage. For others, like us, it was an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings and challenge ourselves to complete the hike across all three mountains. While there are many tourists on Haguro-san, and the shrine at the summit is even more crowded with tour bus groups, the climb up the 3 sets of steep steps winds through the cool forest. It is a leisurely climb, and many families were making the climb as well. The hike to Gassan and Yudono-san was quieter and the view is more majestic, but the descent was also more challenging. Haguro-san is the smallest of the three, and you can reach the shrine at the summit in 3 hours. It might be good to do this just before sunset, following which you can lodge in Haguro town (Haguro Centre) at the base. There is a bus service to Haguro from the summit. We stayed 1 night at Shukubo Kanbayashi Katsukane (宿坊 神林勝金), which is a simple traditional temple inn with shower and hot bath. (details below) The next day is spent hiking Gassan and Yudono-san, which are connected by a ridgeline. (Transport details below) Since the descent will end in a different place, you will have to hike with all your belongings. The hike time from Gassan 8th Station to the main shrine at the summit is about 3 hours, followed by an additional 3 hours from Gassan peak to the shrine at Yudono-san. You can have breakfast at the cafeteria at Gassan 8th Station and pack lunch to eat at the peak. From Yudono-san shrine, it is a short shuttle bus ride to the torii gate at the base, followed by another bus back to Tsuruoka where you have travel options back to the main cities. (Transport details below) Overall, it was a memorable visit with beautiful natural surroundings (and good photographs too), but you need to be physically fit to attempt to hike all three. Getting to Haguro from Tsuruoka: 1. Tsuruoka is the main town nearest to Haguro-san. It is accessible by train or intercity bus. The bus to Haguro leaves from either Tsuruoka S-Mall Berth No. 3 (エスモール③のりば), or in front of Tsuruoka Station Berth No. 2 (鶴岡駅前②のりば). 2. Bus from Tsuruoka to Haguro Centre (Stop Name: 随神門 - the red gate into Haguro-san) [Total Travel Time: 0h 40m] - JPY 820 Getting to Gassan 8th Station from Haguro Centre: 3. Bus from Haguro Center to Gassan 8th Station (月山八合目) [Total Travel Time: 1h 25m] - JPY 1650 **Note: Through service to Gassan only runs at 0635, 0735, 1120 and 1335 daily. It is the same bus that brings you to Haguro-san summit, but continues after a short stop.) Getting back to Tsuruoka from Yudono-san shrine: 4. Shuttle Bus from Yudonosan Shrine to Yudonosan Car Park - JPY 200 5. Bus from Yudonosan to Tsuruoka S Mall [Total Travel Time: 1h 17m] - JPY 1820 (**Note: Last bus at 1645.) Transport between Tsuruoka and Sendai: - Miyako Sendai Line Bus from Sendai (Miyagi/JR) Station to Tsuruoka S Mall [Total Travel Time: 2h 50m] - JPY 5550 (return - 往復) Accommodation in Haguro: Shukubo Kanbayashi Katsukane (宿坊 神林勝金) - JPY 8600 per pax per night 997-0211, Tsuruoka Haguromachi Toge 3 997-0211, 鶴岡市 羽黒町手向手向3